Today, wind energy is generating unprecedented discussion and support – even in the most unlikely places. T. Boone Pickens, one of America's most powerful oil and gas men, recently announced that he intends to construct the largest wind farm in the world – 200,000 acres northeast of Amarillo, Texas with up to 2,000 new wind turbines – to generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity. This means nearly doubling the 2,700 megawatts Texas wind farms were generating at the end of 2006. Great news for Texans – and possibly a great opportunity for Danfoss.
Danfoss control electronics for wind energy ensure uninterrupted, long-term operations:
- MBS 3000 pressure transducers are ideal for coping with high overpressures
- KPS temperature switches provide on-off limits when critical temperatures are reached
- MBT temperature sensors give reliable readings of hydraulic oil temperatures
Supporting wind turbines since 1979
Since 1979, when Danfoss first supplied components to Vestas Wind Systems A/S, the world's leading wind turbine manufacturer, Vestas has used Danfoss components in thousands of wind turbines installed in over 60 countries. Since then Danfoss has become the preferred supplier of sensors and switches to the wind turbine market.
Though Danfoss initially supplied Vestas with transmitters and temperature sensors, our engineers and scientists soon developed new products, such as an innovative brazed plate heat exchanger, to meet the wind energy sector’s specific requirements.
Ensuring predictable, smooth operations – under any conditions
The hydraulic systems in wind turbines are regulated by control electronics that require precise, dependable and repeatable sensor performance to ensure consistently smooth functioning and continuous blade motion. Danfoss components deliver the accuracy and stability wind turbines require – and offer unmatched endurance. Whether it’s searing heat in summer or near-arctic conditions in winter, our MBS 3000 pressure transducers, KPS temperature switches, and MBT temperature sensors handle the extreme weather conditions facing exposed wind turbines exceptionally well.
By Per Sønderriis, Business Development Manager for Marine & Power Generation